Free bicycle helmets

BREWER – The Brain Injury Association of Maine has teamed with Marden’s stores to provide children in Maine with free bicycle helmets.

The event will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at Marden’s stores in Brewer, Presque Isle, Calais, Waterville, Lewiston and Sanford.

Each year, more than 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury due to accidents, trauma or illness such as stroke, tumor or infection. In Maine, more than 5,000 people each year sustain a brain injury. This public health concern ranks as the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults.

For those who survive and their families, brain injury can be life-altering with serious impairments a frequent result.

The Brain Injury Association of Maine provides programs and support services that help families cope and adapt to the unpredictable situations and challenges from a loved one sustaining a brain injury.

For information about the helmet event or the Brain Injury Association of Maine, e-mail Kristie LeBlanc at kleblanc@biame.org.

All about meditation

Amy Burgoyne will be the featured speaker at the Caring Connections Bone Health Information and Discussion Group at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20, at the Bangor Y on Second Street.

Burgoyne studied meditation for one year under a meditation master. She has practiced and taught meditation for the past 10 years. She has seen firsthand the difference the practice can make with individuals in all levels and areas of their lives.

Meditation can be used for relaxation and stress relief, as well as easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies in the New England Journal of Medicine and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences link depression with low bone mass, which can increase a person’s risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture. One study found the bone density of those with depression to be up to 15 percent lower than those without depression.

Burgoyne’s philosophy is that meditation can work in conjunction with prescription medication as a natural way for an individual to fight anxiety or depression. It also can help with healing from trauma, postpartum relief, goal focusing, developing intuition, anger management and communicating in difficult situations.

Burgoyne said that she experienced anxiety starting in early childhood and is now able to take herself from overwhelmed to peaceful with a simple trigger. Her goal is to help other individuals master the technique through guided meditation.

The introductory session is free and open to all. A calcium-rich snack and recipe will be provided. For information or reservations, call Robin Long at 941-2808. Caring Connections is a cooperative program of the Bangor Y and Eastern Maine Medical Center, supported by the fundraising efforts of Healthcare Charities.

Food drive at Curves

OLD TOWN – Curves of Old Town will participate in the 10th annual food drive to benefit local food banks.

Last year, the Curves food drive collected almost 11 million pounds of food for local communities all over the world. This year, Curves has set a goal of 15 million pounds.

New members who bring in a bag of nonperishable groceries through March 15 receive a discounted service fee on a 12-month membership.

Others who wish to donate may drop off nonperishable food items at Curves during business hours weekdays in March.

This year’s food drive includes a twist: a weekly theme that gives people fun options and helps them pick healthy foods to donate:

. Week 1: Empty Your Pantry of Healthy Staples.

. Week 2: Food From Around the World.

. Week 3: Souper Suppers.

. Week 4: Family Friendly items, including healthy snacks for kids and baby necessities.

“The Curves Food Drive promotion is always exciting,” said Gail Orndorf, owner of the Old Town club. “We have a chance to help so many people at a time when the food banks are lowest. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, and we’re very proud to participate.”

For information, call Orndorf at 827-7200.

Benefits of potatoes

ORONO – University of Maine graduate student Danielle Meyer, working with department of food sciences and human nutrition professor Mary-Ellen Camire, is seeking women ages 30-50 for an appetite study involving potatoes. Volunteers who complete all sessions of the study will receive $100 compensation.

Some people believe that the potato, a Maine agricultural staple, makes one feel more full after meals and then eat less at later meals. This study will look at different types of potatoes served as part of a lunch provided by the researchers. This study may uncover the role of the potato as a potential tool for weight management.

Potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, dietary fiber and antioxidants. These healthful vegetables are easily prepared and affordable. Although potatoes are commonly fried, when prepared other ways they are a sensible option for those who want to control their weight.

The research project will evaluate different types of potatoes and methods of preparation to compare effects on appetite compared to a rice dish.

Encouraging the consumption of locally grown produce helps foster a sense of community and helps local farmers. Consumption of fresh potatoes has been steadily declining by 2 percent each year since 1991.

The potential demonstration of reduced appetite after potato consumption will provide support for local potato processors and the Maine Potato Board to promote potato consumption in the context of a healthy diet.

For information, call Danielle Meyer or Camire at 581-1733, or e-mail Danielle.McMann

@umit.maine.edu. Additional information about the study may be found at www.fsn.umaine.edu/news.htm. Funding for the project is provided by the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station.

Danielle Meyer is a graduate student in food science and human nutrition. She graduated from Florida State University.